An Ordinary Bump, a Shocking Diagnosis: Skin Cancer or Melanoma
An Ordinary Bump, a Shocking Diagnosis: Skin Cancer or Melanoma
It sounds so terrifying and unfortunately is a very common type of cancer. More than 3M people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
| I remember when my mom told me: "I found a tiny brown freckle on my skin, then, practically overnight, it became black and slightly raised..." |
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at some risk of contracting Skin Cancer or Melanoma. it depends on your sun exposure, the number of moles on your skin, the skin type you have and your family history.
Why it happens?
Skin Cancer or Melanoma can happen whenever you expose your skin to the sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the beach, on a tan bed or thru incidental exposure are caused by harmful from the sun or tanning lamps.
See the following figure from the Skin Cancer Foundation that shows the
visible light and UV:
| However there are ways that it can be prevented.
1. Education
2. Prevention & Early Detection
|
Learn to Prevent Skin Cancer
| Did you know when to seek shade? Did you know that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.? Seek shade If your shadow shorter than you are? Seek shade |
Are you Wearing protective clothing?Use long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas / parasols. |
Are you using the appropriate sunscreen? Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher) to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to use sunscreen even on cloudy days and to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating. |
Did you know about the dangers of tanning?
According to Skin Cancer Foundation "the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as skin cancer. In fact, people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent"
Avoid tanning beds, use a self tanning product instead |
REMEMBER TO:
Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early
Seek a board-certified dermatologist immediately if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.
Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early
Seek a board-certified dermatologist immediately if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.
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